Raising Confident Kids: Why Summer Camp is Great for Homeschoolers
Today marks the first day of summer camp for my two older kids, and honestly… I always get a little wave of anxiety when I drop them off. As a homeschooling parent, it can be nerve-wracking to send your children into a group setting filled mostly with schooled kids.
I don’t share this with them, of course. Instead, I give them my usual pep talk on raising confident kids.
- Make sure you don’t get bullied (Bullying Prevention Tips)
- Listen to the coach
- Be respectful of others and your belongings
- Most importantly, have fun! 🎉
It’s not their first camp experience. The first time they went, my youngest at the time was harassed by an older kid and ended up sitting the session out. That moment taught me why it’s so important to teach kids to stand up for themselves (Raising Confident Kids).
Now, I use summer camps as an opportunity to build their confidence, encourage social interaction, and let them have a blast with kids of different ages. The bonus? They run around all day, and by the time they get home, they have that good kind of exhaustion that leads to a better night’s sleep.
What I Do with My Youngest When the Others Are at Camp
While some might think I’d take the day to relax, the reality is… not quite. Here’s our routine when it’s just me and my two-year-old:
- Morning Tidy-Up – We clear the breakfast table and wash the dishes. My little one loves cleaning the table, so I hand her a cloth and she feels like she’s helping. (Benefits of Chores for Toddlers)
- Mini “Work Time” Together – While I do my research on the computer, she uses her LeapFrog My Own Leaptop to “work” alongside me.
- Music & Reading – We enjoy some favorite songs, then cuddle up with a toddler-friendly book.
- Cooking Fun – My toddler is obsessed with cutting food. We use these safe kids’ knives from Amazon so she can help without risk. She gets a couple of mushrooms, a pan, and a wooden spoon — and that keeps her happily occupied for about 30 minutes, which is just enough time for me to prepare lunch.
- Lunch & Tidy Again – We eat, clean up, and then it’s time to pick up the older kids from camp.
Why Summer Camps Are a Confidence Booster for Homeschooled Kids
If you homeschool, you might wonder if summer camps are worth it. For us, they’ve been an incredible opportunity for:
- Socialization beyond homeschool groups (Homeschool Socialization Myths)
- Learning to navigate different personalities
- Building resilience and confidence
- Physical activity in a structured environment (Kids’ Fitness Benefits)
They’re not just about fun — they’re about growth.
Final Tip: Whether your kids are homeschooled or not, giving them the tools to stand up for themselves, respect others, and have fun is a lifelong gift. And as parents, we can use those camp days to connect with our younger ones in meaningful, everyday ways. ❤️
